Austin Community College earned a runner-up spot to perform at the American College Dance Festival Gala Concert May 27-29 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

About 20 colleges from across the south-central region competed in Natchitoches, La., earlier this month for the opportunity to perform at the biannual gala held in Washington, D.C. ACC is the only community college to be named a finalist, behind Texas Women’s University, Texas Christian University, Sam Houston State University, and Southeastern Louisiana University.

“I am very proud of our students,” says Associate Professor Jose Bustamante, chair of the Dance Department. “They put out a strong performance and represented the college honorably.”

The National Festival showcases the best of choreography and performance that is being created on college and university campuses. Dances are selected by the adjudicators from each of the regional conferences based on artistic excellence and merit.